To get rid of prickly heat (heat rash), you can use several effective home remedies and care tips to soothe the skin, reduce itching, and promote healing:
Immediate Relief and Soothing
- Cool baths or showers: Taking a cool bath or shower helps cool the skin and unclog pores, which reduces irritation
- Cold compresses: Applying a cold cloth or ice pack (wrapped in a towel) for 5-20 minutes can reduce inflammation, itching, and burning sensations
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that soothe irritated skin and may prevent infection
- Calamine lotion: This natural remedy cools the skin, reduces itching, and helps dry out the rash
Clothing and Environment
- Wear loose, light, breathable clothing: Preferably cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics to keep skin dry and reduce sweating
- Stay in a cool environment: Use fans or air conditioning to avoid excessive heat and sweating, which worsen prickly heat
Additional Home Remedies
- Oatmeal baths: Colloidal oatmeal can reduce inflammation and itching when added to lukewarm bathwater or applied as a paste
- Baking soda baths: Adding baking soda to bathwater soothes itchy skin and reduces inflammation
- Sandalwood paste: Applying sandalwood powder mixed with water may reduce pain and burning sensations
- Neem paste: Neem has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied as a paste or added to baths
- Cucumber slices: Placing cool cucumber slices on the rash can help cool and soothe the skin
Important Tips
- Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection
- Change out of sweaty or wet clothes promptly
- Use unscented talcum powder to absorb sweat and keep skin dry
- Avoid skin products with petroleum, mineral oil, or perfumes that can irritate the skin
When to See a Doctor
- If the rash is widespread, persistent, worsening, or shows signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), consult a healthcare professional
By following these steps, prickly heat usually clears up on its own within a few days while minimizing discomfort
